County Politics & Business Reporter

County Politics & Business Reporter Tell the stories that matter most to Midland, MichiganYour work can make a real difference at the Midland Daily News. In a smaller market, local journalism is personal. It's about more than headlines — we are writing the first draft of history every day. Our mission is to help keep the community stay informed, feel connected, and understand the people and issues shaping our lives.At Hearst Newspapers, we're looking for a curious, driven storyteller who wants to do meaningful work in a place where strong journalism truly matters. This is an opportunity to be at the center of a community's conversations — covering breaking news, uncovering important stories, and building trust with the people you serve.If you're energized by local reporting, excited to be part of a collaborative newsroom, and motivated by the idea of making a visible impact, we want to hear from you.The Midland Daily News is the 2024 Michigan Press Association Class C Newspaper of the Year. We cover stories in the Great Lakes Bay Region with a specific focus on Midland County.At the Daily News, we believe journalism is public service. We believe that journalism has the power to influence a community to become the best version of itself and must serve as a watchdog to make sure that any promises made are fulfilled honestly and equitably.We believe that in our community every person's voice should be heard, and journalism, when done well, helps give a voice to those who otherwise would remain unheard without us.As a digital storyteller, you'll cover the stories, people, and issues that matter most in our community. You'll report on breaking news, attend meetings and events, build local sources, and develop enterprise stories that add depth and accountability.In a smaller market, this role is both important and highly visible. You won't just be filing stories — you'll be helping readers understand what's happening around them and why it matters. You will monitor county politics and how decisions affect taxpayers. You will report on local businesses and the emerging issues that challenge them such as talent attraction, transportation, and retaining their workforce.This is a hands-on role for someone who is naturally curious, comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, and excited to be deeply connected to the community they cover.What You'll Do Cover the community with urgency and purposeReport on breaking news, local developments, and key community issuesAttend meetings, events, and public forums to stay close to the storyWrite quickly and clearly for digital and print platformsDevelop strong, meaningful local coverageBuild relationships with sources across the communityIdentify stories that reflect the concerns, values, and character of the regionProduce enterprise stories that go beyond the daily headline, including strong visuals and vertical videoHelp strengthen the local news reportCollaborate with editors, photographers, and other newsroom teammatesContribute story ideas and bring energy to daily coverage planningUse digital tools, social media, and audience insights to better reach readersWhat You Bring Reporting experience in a newsroom, publication, or relevant media settingStrong writing, interviewing, and newsgathering skillsGood news judgment and the ability to work under deadlineCuriosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in local communitiesA collaborative mindset and willingness to jump in where neededThe ability to work independently while still getting the job doneComfort with digital storytelling and audience-focused journalismYou ask good questions. You build trust. You understand that local stories can have lasting impact.Your reporting can inform residents, spotlight issues that deserve attention, and help people feel more connected to where they live. This is a chance to do journalism that is seen, felt, and valued — and to grow your career in a role where your work has everyday relevance.Our Commitment to YouAt Hearst Newspapers, we support our employees through professional development and comprehensive wellbeing benefits, including:Medical, dental, and vision coverageCompetitive retirement plan with matchingGenerous paid time off and paid parental leaveDependent care reimbursementMental wellness supportInclusive healthcare benefitsPet wellness reimbursementReady to tell stories that matter where it matters most? Submit your resume, cover letter, and writing samples.Your next story starts here.About Hearst Newspapers:With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories–growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms–to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.Be a part of something bigger–Your Headline AwaitsAbout The Midland Daily News The Midland Daily News, a subsidiary of Hearst, is a daily newspaper that serves Midland County, Michigan. The offices for the paper are located at 219 East Main Street in downtown Midland; the paper is widely circulated around Midland County and covers the entire Great Lakes Bay Region.Job Info Job Identification 2026790Job Category Content and NewsJob Schedule Full timeLocations 219 E Main Street, Midland, MI, 48640, US (On-site)